How to improve mobile Internet Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 12 working ways

Your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro suddenly became “slow down” on the Internet, although everything used to work like a clock? Pages load for eternity, 1080p video is constantly buffered, and messengers send messages with a delay? The problem is not always the operator – often the fault of hidden smartphone settings, outdated software or hardware limitations of the model. In this article, we will discuss specific optimization methods that work on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with its technical features: Mediatek Helio G90T chip, 4G LTE Cat.12 module and MIUI firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

We're not going to recommend trivial things like "reset your phone" or "check your balance." Instead, deep analysis: from choice to choice. SIM-maps before manual editing APN, Turning off background processes and even hardware tricks (for example, why the Note 8 Pro’s metal body can degrade the signal). MIUI 12-14 and relevant for 2026, and if you're willing to spend 15-20 minutes setting up, Internet speeds will increase by 30-70% (based on user tests on forums). 4PDA XDA-Developers).

1. Checking the baseline parameters: SIM-map, operator and coverage areas

Before digging into the phone's settings, make sure the issue isn't on the operator's side.The Redmi Note 8 Pro supports LTE Cat.12 (up to 600 Mbps in theory), but the real speed depends on:

• 📶 Like, SIM-Nano-SIM (not microSD in the slot) SIM2!) support VoLTE/VoWiFi.
• 🏙️ Coverage areas: in basements and on the outskirts of cities 4G often "sinks" before 3G.
• 🔄 Network congestion: during rush hour (18:00-22:00) speed drops for all operators.

How to check:

1. Install NetMonster or CellMapper, which will show the real standard (LTE, H+, 3G) and the signal level in dBm (optimally: from -70 to -90 dBm).
2. Compare speed on Speedtest with the results of neighbors on the same operator (for example, in the VKontakte group of your city).

⚠️ Note: If NetMonster is displayed LTE Band 3 or Band 7, but the speed is low, and the problem is that the base station is congested. Solution: switch to another operator or use Dual. 4G (down).

Optimizing APN settings: why standard settings are slowing down

By default, MIUI loads APN settings automatically, but they are often outdated or versatile (not region-specific) and manually configuring APN can increase speeds by 20-40%, especially if you're using a Dual SIM.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click Add APN and enter the options for your carrier (see table below).
3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

After changing the APN, run a speed test. If the result is unchanged, try alternative APNs (for example, for MTS, mts sometimes works instead of Internet.mts.ru).

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If after changing the APN, the Internet disappeared completely - go back to the settings and select "Reset APN settings to standard".

3. Dual 4G: How to make both work SIM-card

Redmi Note 8 Pro supports Dual 4G VoLTE, but by default the second SIM frequently 3G or 2G. That's a limitation. MIUI, circumventable.

Steps for activation:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Dual 4G.
2. Enable the Use option 4G both SIM-cards (if not, see spoiler below).
3. Set a priority. SIM for data in Settings → Mobile network → Priority SIM-data-card.

After activation of Dual 4G, the speed on the second SIM will increase, but note:

• ⚡ The battery will run down faster (by 10-15% per day).
• 📶 In some regions, operators restrict Dual 4G (Tele2 can force the second to switch. SIM on 3G).

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Dual 4G It is useful if you use two SIM-Cards of different operators (for example, MTS) + MegaFon for better coverage.

4. Hidden MIUI settings: disabling background processes and optimizing the network

MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, which sometimes leads to a connection break or the “falling asleep” of the mobile Internet, and this can be corrected through Advanced Settings.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB (not necessary, but useful for diagnosis). 📡 Always active mobile traffic (prevents falling asleep» 4G). ⚡ Limit background processes → Choose Without Limitations.

Automatic network switching

Settings → Mobile Network → Network Switching

4G

3G

Also check the list of apps with access to mobile data:

• 🚫 Block background traffic for unnecessary apps (e.g. Mi Video, GetApps, Facebook).
• ✅ Leave access for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and navigation (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps).

Disable Auto-Update Apps in Play Market

Ban background traffic for social networks

Enable “Always Active Mobile Traffic”

Delete the cache in “Settings → Applications → Application Management”

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5. Hardware tricks: covers, antennas and metal body

The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a metal body that can shield the signal, especially if you're holding the phone in your hand or using a tight case.

• 📱 Phone position: horizontal (album orientation) antennas work better. Try turning the phone while downloading files.
• 🧲 Magnetic cases: Avoid magnet covers (for example, to be attached to a holder in a car) – they disrupt the compass and can degrade the signal.
• 📡 External antenna: for extreme cases (e.g. in the village) can be used LTE-antenna-amplifier MIMO 4x4 (plug in via adapter TS-9).

If you often lose your network in specific places (such as work or home), try:

1. Place the phone on the table with an antenna upwards (usually the top of the case where the cameras are).
2. Use Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi) if your carrier supports this feature (set up in Settings). → SIM-map → Wi-Fi calls).

⚠️ Warning: If you've changed your case or position of your phone, you've got a 20 to 30 percent increase in speed, the problem was the hardware shielding, in which case you might want to consider buying a plastic case or a thin silicone case.

6.Firmware and kernel updates: why the old MIUI is slowing down the internet

The Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn’t officially receive MIUI updates after 2022, but custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS) can improve modem performance.

Safe ways to update:

• 🔄 Official Updates: Check the Version Relevance in Settings → The phone. → System Update: Latest stable version for Note 8 Pro — MIUI 13.0.8 (Android 11).
• 🛠️ Modem Update: Sometimes it only helps to flash modem.img from a new firmware (instructions in spoiler).
• ⚡ Network Reset: If the speed dropped after the update, reset the settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings.

If you’re not prepared for the risks of custom firmware, try to roll back to an older version of MIUI where the modem was more stable, for example, many users have noted that MIUI 12.5 was faster than MIUI 13.

7.Alternative methods: VPN, DNS and traffic prioritization

Sometimes the problem isn't the phone, but the router's traffic, and then you can use:

• 🌍 Change of change DNS: default DNS Try 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google). Setup: Set 1.1.1.1: Faster Internet. DNS In Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Settings DNS.

VPN to bypass throttling

YouTube

Torrent

ProtonVPN

Warp

Prioritizing traffic

MIUI

Traffic Priority

Engineering Mode

#

#

Network Settings

A warning: VPNs can reduce speed if the server is far away.Select servers in your country or neighboring regions.

8.Extreme measures: factory reset and replacement SIM-map

If nothing has worked, radical methods remain:

1. Hard Reset: Save your data (photos, contacts) to your computer or the cloud. Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset → Delete all data. After reset, don’t restore your settings from the backup — set your phone from scratch.
2. Replacement SIM-maps: Old SIM (especially released before 2018) may not support LTE-Advanced. USIM-Card (it works better with VoLTE).

⚠️ Warning: After a hard reset of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you may need to re-activate the Mi Account!

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Resetting to factory settings helps in 60% of cases when the problem is caused by application conflict or broken MIUI settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about mobile Internet on Redmi Note 8 Pro